Bulawayo supply dams face cyanide contamination threat

Nearly one million people are facing a potential public health crisis following widespread cyanide contamination in the Umzingwane catchment, with authorities warning of a severe threat to drinking water supplies, livestock, and wildlife.

The affected catchment supplies water to Bulawayo, Umzingwane District, and Insiza District, raising alarm over a developing environmental and humanitarian emergency.

Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe said Government will convene an inter-ministerial meeting to coordinate an urgent response, involving departments responsible for environment, mining, water resources, agriculture, and internal security.

He said the contamination is being driven by illegal gold mining activities, as well as some licensed operators allegedly misusing cyanide in extraction processes. Despite normal rainfall patterns, dam levels in the region remain below 50%, which authorities attribute to severe siltation and pollution.

The issue was raised after concerns from Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart, prompting emergency discussions with local authorities, traditional leaders, and security services.

Officials warned that more than 900,000 people, including livestock and wildlife, are at risk of cyanide exposure. The crisis has also been linked to broader environmental degradation, including destruction of rivers, wetlands, and sacred cultural sites.

Government plans to enforce Statutory Instrument 188 of 2024, which bans riverbed mining, and intensify crackdowns on illegal mining operations. Authorities say enforcement agencies will be mobilised urgently to protect water sources considered critical to regional survival.

Officials described the situation as a "whole-of-government" emergency requiring coordinated intervention to prevent long-term damage to water security, agriculture, and biodiversity.